Common Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
One of the challenges with kidney cancer is that it often develops quietly. Many people don’t realize they have it until it’s discovered incidentally through an imaging scan done for another reason.
Still, certain signs and symptoms might begin to show, especially as the tumor grows. Here are the most important ones to watch out for:
1. Blood in Your Urine (Hematuria)
This is the most common and often the earliest visible symptom. Your urine may appear:
- Pink
- Reddish
- Brown (like cola)
The bleeding might not happen all the time, it can come and go, or be so faint that you only notice it during routine tests. However, any blood in your urine should be taken seriously.
Other potential causes for blood in the urine include infections or kidney stones, but it’s always better to rule out something more serious.
2. Persistent Lower Back Pain
Back pain is incredibly common, especially in people over 40, and is usually linked to muscle strain or spinal issues. But with kidney cancer, the pain is different.
You may experience:
- A dull ache below the ribs or on one side
- A sharp stabbing pain in the flank
- Pain that doesn’t go away or worsens over time
If you feel unusual discomfort in the back that persists for more than a few days, especially when paired with other symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.
3. A Lump or Mass in the Abdomen
Kidney tumors can sometimes grow large enough to be felt through the skin. You might notice a bulge or a firm mass in your abdomen, side, or back.
However, because the kidneys sit deep within your body, such masses are hard to detect until they’re fairly large. If you feel something unusual, don’t ignore it, imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans can provide clarity.
4. Unusual Fatigue
Cancer-related fatigue is different from the exhaustion you feel after a long day. It’s persistent, overwhelming, and doesn’t improve with rest. It can severely impact your daily life, making even small tasks feel exhausting.
If your fatigue has no obvious cause and it continues for more than a few weeks, it’s worth investigating.
5. Anemia
Your kidneys help produce a hormone that tells your body to make red blood cells. When kidney function is impaired, this process is disrupted, leading to anemia.
Symptoms of anemia include:
- Persistent tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Pale skin
6. Loss of Appetite
Sudden loss of appetite or feeling full quickly after starting a meal could be a warning sign. A growing tumor may affect digestion or hormone production.
7. Unexplained Weight Loss
When your body begins using up energy reserves due to the cancer’s growth and spread, weight can drop rapidly without any change in your diet or routine.
8. Recurring or Unexplained Fever
Fever might not always point to cancer, but a fever that comes and goes without a clear cause can be your body’s immune response to cancer cells.
9. Swelling in Legs or Ankles
Swelling in the lower limbs, also known as edema, can happen when your kidneys can no longer manage fluid balance in your body properly.
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